LONDON — The British rain may not be glamorous, but on Monday evening it did have a cinematic touch as guests got out of black London cabs in their black tie attire at The Dorchester hotel for the Walpole British luxury awards.
The evening was attended by Luke Evans, Bianca Saunders, Kunal Nayyar, Bianca Jagger, Tinie Tempah and more.
Thirteen awards were handed out on the night, with actor, playwright and author Zawe Ashton hosting the ceremony.
Helen Brocklebank and Zawe Ashton
Dave Benett
Walpole’s chief executive officer Helen Brocklebank was in high spirits and praised Britain’s 81 billion pound luxury sector.
“The secret of luxury’s long-term success has always been, and always will be, its artisans, craftspeople and visionaries,” she said.
“It may not be the easiest market for luxury right now, but it is a market in which the innate strength of British luxury can really shine on those who understand how to deliver true craftsmanship, exceptional qualities and the perfect blend of art and craft,” she added.
Gizzi Erskine and Martha Sitwell
Dave Benett
The prizes on the night showcased British luxury across fashion, art and engineering.
The highlights included Range Rover taking home the award for Made in the U.K.; beauty brand Jo Malone won the Creative Collaboration award for its campaign with Paddington Bear; The River Café’s cofounder Ruth Rogers was presented with the Great Creative Briton award by her friend and restaurateur Jeremy King; outgoing British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush won the Cultural & Social Contribution award, and Erdem Moralıoglu was honored with the Visionary award.
The Brands of Tomorrow award put a spotlight on 11 brands that are paving the way for the luxury sector, including Larry King, Citizens of Soil, Fielden, Gigi & Olive, Huckleberry, Jukes Cordialities, Katto, Monc, Otiumberg Limited, Poodle and Blonde and Shore.
